Odds, analysis and multi tips for round 1 of the 2016 NRL season

ROUND 1 of the NRL promises to kick the season off on an exciting note with some blockbuster games scheduled.

What better what to start the season than hitting an NRL multi-bet?

Thanks to Sportsbet.com.au, punters taking a multi-bet of four legs or more won’t even have to hit the last leg to get their money back (up to $50). With Sportsbet’s cash out option it also gives punters the chance to take their winnings and run.

The first Friday night game of the season features two powerhouse Sydney teams which will have playoff aspirations later this year. Also featured in our NRL multi-bet of the week are the Warriors vs. Tigers, Raiders vs. Panthers and the Storm vs. Dragons.

Leg 1 – Manly Sea Eagles vs. Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

Manly vs. Bulldogs. Friday, March 4. 7:35pm at Brookvale Oval

Manly – $1.60
Bulldogs – $2.40

After a torrid 2015, the Manly Sea Eagles will be looking to rebound and they have the team to do so. The re-signing of Daly Cherry-Evans was a huge boost for the struggling club, which was in tatters mid-way through the last season.

They might be without fullback Brett Stewart, but reports show that Tom Trbojevic will step into that role. Manly still have try-scoring threats in Jorge Taufua, Steve Matai, Dylan Walker and captain of the backs, Jamie Lyon.

Manly also signed Martin Taupau from the Tigers – how the Tigers let him go we’ll never know, but Manly have secured the big Kiwi and he will make a huge difference to their forward pack.

At Brookvale Oval, we can see Manly opening the season positively. $1.60 is a good price.

Leg 2 – Canberra Raiders vs. Penrith Panthers

Saturday, March 5. 3:05pm at GIO Stadium

Raiders – $1.62
Panthers – $2.35

Many have written the Raiders off this season, but that might be misguided as they have a solid team on paper.

The Raiders have try-scoring threats with Edrick Lee, Blake Austin and Jordan Rapana, who can all light up the scoreboard on their day.

There is a lack of experience in their squad and it’s quite concerning, but the Raiders play on momentum and the ability to make off-the-cuff plays each week. This is what they must do to beat a solid Panthers team which has a good defensive look about it.

It is a risk playing the Raiders this week, but we feel if they’re going to show some form this season, it will be at the start against a team not considered as a major title contender.

Leg 3 – Wests Tigers vs. New Zealand Warriors

Saturday, March 5. 5:35pm at Campbelltown Stadium

Tigers – $3.15 (+7.5)
Warriors – $1.38 (-7.5)

There isn’t much to say about the Wests Tigers this season – they will struggle and they haven’t made any off-season acquisitions that show us their management care.

Losing Martin Taupau is a big loss for the Tigers as he gave them great go-forward ball. They will now look to the likes of Aaron Woods to do all the hard work, but it’s just going to be too much for them.

The Warriors were signing stars in the off-season with Isaac Luke, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Blake Ayshford and more. They might take some time to gel as a unit, but they couldn’t get an easier Round 1 game and we think they will take the Tigers to the cleaners.

The head-to-head line was better earlier this week, but it has dropped significantly to $1.38. We’ll happily take Warriors -7.5 at $1.91 and add it to our multi-bet. The only positive bet we found for the Tigers was James Tedesco to score at $1.83.

Melbourne Storm vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons

Monday, March 7. 7:05pm at AAMI Park

Storm – $1.40
Dragons – $3.05

Some experts are saying this could be the year the Melbourne Storm miss the finals, but we’re having none of that business.

When you have Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater in your team, you will not miss the playoffs and we’re thinking they will come out with a chip on their shoulder against the Dragons.

Adding to the big three players are Marika Koroibete, Will Chambers, the Bromwich brothers and a host of other up-and-coming talent.

They meet a Dragons team which constantly under-performs and the Storm love playing on Monday nights. The $1.40 is short, but it will do nicely to end our multi-bet.